US12458286B2

US12458286B2 - Patient protection from unsafe electric current in sensor integrated dressings and systems

Info

Publication number: US12458286B2
Application number: US17/325,063
Authority: US
Inventors: Felix Clarence Quintanar
Original assignee: TJ Smith and Nephew Ltd
Current assignee: TJ Smith and Nephew Ltd
Priority date: 2020-05-19
Filing date: 2021-05-19
Publication date: 2025-11-04
Also published as: US20210361232A1; GB2595972A; US20260033781A1; GB2595972B; GB202107131D0; GB202007391D0

Abstract

In some cases, a wearable wound monitoring and/or treatment system can include a substantially flexible substrate configured to be positioned in a wound of a patient, the substantially flexible substrate supporting at least one of a sensor configured to monitor a physiological parameter of the wound or a transducer configured to treat the wound. The system can include a power source configured to provide power to the at least one of the sensor or transducer. The power source can be separated from a nearest electrically conductive part of a plurality of electrically conductive parts at least by a first minimum distance measured along a surface of insulating material at least partially supporting the power source and the plurality of electrically conductive parts, and the power source separated from the nearest electrically conductive part by a second minimum distance measured through air.

Description

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatuses, systems, and methods for the monitoring and/or treatment of tissue with sensor integrated or sensor-enabled dressings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Nearly all areas of medicine may benefit from improved information regarding the state of the tissue, organ, or system to be treated, particularly if such information is gathered in real-time during treatment, many types of treatments are still routinely performed without the use of sensor data collection. Instead, such treatments rely upon visual inspection by a caregiver or other limited means rather than quantitative sensor data. For example, in the case of wound treatment via dressings and/or negative pressure wound therapy, data collection is generally limited to visual inspection by a caregiver and often the underlying wounded tissue may be obscured by bandages or other visual impediments. Even intact, unwounded skin may have underlying damage that is not visible to the naked eye, such as a compromised vascular or deeper tissue damage that may lead to an ulcer or injury. Similar to wound treatment, during orthopedic treatments requiring the immobilization of a limb with a cast or other encasement, only limited information is gathered on the underlying tissue. In instances of internal tissue repair, such as a bone plate, continued direct sensor-driven data collection is not performed. Further, braces and/or sleeves used to support musculoskeletal function do not monitor the functions of the underlying muscles or the movement of the limbs. Outside of direct treatments, common hospital room items such as beds and blankets could be improved by adding capability to monitor patient parameters.

Therefore, there is a need for improved sensor monitoring, particularly through the use of sensor integrated substrates which can be incorporated into existing treatment regimes.

SUMMARY

A wound monitoring and/or treatment system can optionally include a substantially flexible substrate configured to be positioned in a wound of a patient. The substantially flexible substrate can support at least one of a sensor configured to monitor a physiological parameter of the wound or a transducer configured to treat the wound. The system can include a power source. The power source can provide power to at least one electronic component, such as at least one of the sensor or transducer. The power source can be separated from a nearest electrically conductive part of a plurality of electrically conductive parts at least by a first minimum distance measured along a surface of insulating material at least partially supporting the power source and the plurality of electrically conductive parts. The power source can be separated from the nearest electrically conductive part by a second minimum distance measured through air. Separation of the power source by the first and second minimum distances can protect the patient from flow of electric current through body of the patient as a result of a leakage current.

The system of any preceding paragraphs and/or any of the systems disclosed herein can include one or more of the following features. The system can include a controller circuitry configured to be electrically connected to the substantially flexible substrate by a connector. The controller circuitry can include a circuit board supporting the power source and the plurality of electrically conductive parts. The insulating material can be substrate of the circuit board. Nearest electrically conductive part can include a power converter circuitry. Power converter circuitry can be configured to transform direct electric current supplied by the power source into alternating electric current supplied to the at least one of the sensor or transducer. The system can include a housing enclosing the controller circuitry. The housing can provide electrical isolation for the controller circuitry. The power source can include a battery. The power source can be configured to provide electrical signal at a first level of electric potential, and the nearest electrically conductive part can be configured to provide electrical signal at a second level of electric potential, the second level of electric potential different from the first level of electric potential. The power source can be configured to provide direct electric current, and the nearest electrically conductive part can be configured to provide alternating electric current.

The system of any preceding paragraphs and/or any of the systems disclosed herein can include one or more of the following features. The system can include at least one of a groove, notch, or slot in a portion of the insulating material positioned between the power source and the nearest electrically conductive part. The at least one of the groove, notch, or slot can cause an increase of the first minimum distance. The first minimum distance can be greater than the second minimum distance. The system can include a coupling circuitry electrically connecting the power source to the nearest electrically conductive part. Coupling circuitry can be configured to provide electrical isolation between the power source and the nearest electrically conductive part, which can include power converter circuitry. Coupling circuitry can be at least one of an optocoupler or transformer.

Disclosed are methods of operating and/or using the system of any preceding paragraphs and/or any of the systems disclosed herein.

A method of manufacturing a wound monitoring and/or treatment system can include positioning a plurality of electrically conductive parts on insulating material. The method can include positioning a power source on the insulating material. The power source can be configured to provide power to at least some of the plurality of electrically conductive parts. Optionally, the power source can be configured to provide power to at least one of a sensor or transducer positioned on a substantially flexible substrate configured to be positioned in a wound of a patient. The sensor can be configured to monitor a physiological parameter of the wound. The transducer can be configured to treat the wound. The method can include separating the power source from each electrically conductive part of the plurality of electrically conductive parts at least by a first minimum distance measured along a surface of the insulating material. The method can include separating the power source from each electrically conductive part of the plurality of electrically conductive parts at least by a second minimum distance measured through air. Separation of the power source by the first and second minimum distances can protect the patient from flow of electric current through body of the patient as a result of a leakage current.

The method of any preceding paragraphs and/or any of the methods disclosed herein can include one or more of the following features. Insulating material can include a substrate of a circuit board. The method can include electrically connecting the power source to the substantially flexible substrate with a connector. Electrically conductive part nearest to the power source can include a power converter circuitry. The power source can be separated from the power converter circuitry by the first and second minimum distances. Power converter circuitry can be configured to transform direct electric current supplied by the power source into alternating electric current supplied to at least one of the sensor or transducer. Power source can include a battery.

The method of any preceding paragraphs and/or any of the methods disclosed herein can include one or more of the following features. The method can include forming at least one of a groove, notch, or slot in a portion of the insulating material positioned between the power source and an electrically conductive part nearest to the power source thereby causing increase of the first minimum distance. The first minimum distance can be greater than the second minimum distance. The method can include positioning coupling circuitry on the insulating material. Coupling circuitry can electrically connect the power source to an electrically conductive part nearest to the power source. Coupling circuitry can be configured to provide electrical isolation between the power source and the electrically conductive part nearest to the power source. Electrically conductive part nearest to the power source can include power converter circuitry. Coupling circuitry can include at least one of an optocoupler or transformer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a substrate supporting electronic components;

FIGS. 1B-1C illustrate perspective and top views of a perforated substrate supporting electronic components;

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrates cross-sections of wound dressings;

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate perspective and top views of a perforated substrate supporting electronic components;

FIG. 4 illustrates a wound monitoring and/or therapy system;

FIG. 5 illustrates a substrate with electrically conductive components; and

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate spacing of electrically conductive components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to apparatuses and methods of at least one of monitoring or treating biological tissue with sensor-enabled substrates. The embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to treatment or monitoring of a particular type of tissue or injury, instead the sensor-enabled technologies disclosed herein are broadly applicable to any type of therapy that may benefit from sensor-enabled substrates. Some implementations utilize sensors and data collection relied upon by health care providers to make both diagnostic and patient management decisions.

Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to the use of sensors mounted on or embedded within substrates configured to be used in the treatment of both intact and damaged human or animal tissue. Such sensors may collect information about the surrounding tissue and transmit such information to a computing device or a caregiver to be utilized in further treatment. In certain implementations, such sensors may be attached to the skin anywhere on the body, including areas for monitoring arthritis, temperature, or other areas that may be prone to problems and require monitoring. Sensors disclosed herein may also incorporate markers, such as radiopaque markers, to indicate the presence of the device, for example prior to performing an MRI or other technique.

The sensor embodiments disclosed herein may be used in combination with clothing. Non-limiting examples of clothing for use with embodiments of the sensors disclosed herein include shirts, pants, trousers, dresses, undergarments, outer-garments, gloves, shoes, hats, and other suitable garments. In certain embodiments, the sensor embodiments disclosed herein may be welded into or laminated into/onto the particular garments. The sensor embodiments may be printed directly onto the garment and/or embedded into the fabric. Breathable and printable materials such as microporous membranes may also be suitable.

Sensor embodiments disclosed herein may be incorporated into cushioning or bed padding, such as within a hospital bed, to monitor patient characteristics, such as any characteristic disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, a disposable film containing such sensors could be placed over the hospital bedding and removed/replaced as needed.

In some implementations, the sensor embodiments disclosed herein may incorporate energy harvesting, such that the sensor embodiments are self-sustaining. For example, energy may be harvested from thermal energy sources, kinetic energy sources, chemical gradients, or any suitable energy source.

The sensor embodiments disclosed herein may be utilized in rehabilitation devices and treatments, including sports medicine. For example, the sensor embodiments disclosed herein may be used in braces, sleeves, wraps, supports, and other suitable items. Similarly, the sensor embodiments disclosed herein may be incorporated into sporting equipment, such as helmets, sleeves, and/or pads. For example, such sensor embodiments may be incorporated into a protective helmet to monitor characteristics such as acceleration, which may be useful in concussion diagnosis.

The sensor embodiments disclosed herein may be used in coordination with surgical devices, for example, the NAVIO surgical system by Smith & Nephew Inc. In some implementations, the sensor embodiments disclosed herein may be in communication with such surgical devices to guide placement of the surgical devices. In some implementations, the sensor embodiments disclosed herein may monitor blood flow to or away from the potential surgical site or ensure that there is no blood flow to a surgical site. Further surgical data may be collected to aid in the prevention of scarring and monitor areas away from the impacted area.

To further aid in surgical techniques, the sensors disclosed herein may be incorporated into a surgical drape to provide information regarding tissue under the drape that may not be immediately visible to the naked eye. For example, a sensor embedded flexible drape may have sensors positioned advantageously to provide improved area-focused data collection. In certain implementations, the sensor embodiments disclosed herein may be incorporated into the border or interior of a drape to create fencing to limit/control the surgical theater.

Sensor embodiments as disclosed herein may also be utilized for pre-surgical assessment. For example, such sensor embodiments may be used to collect information about a potential surgical site, such as by monitoring skin and the underlying tissues for a possible incision site. For example, perfusion levels or other suitable characteristics may be monitored at the surface of the skin and deeper in the tissue to assess whether an individual patient may be at risk for surgical complications. Sensor embodiments such as those disclosed herein may be used to evaluate the presence of microbial infection and provide an indication for the use of antimicrobials. Further, sensor embodiments disclosed herein may collect further information in deeper tissue, such as identifying pressure ulcer or pressure injury damage and/or the fatty tissue levels.

The sensor embodiments disclosed herein may be utilized in cardiovascular monitoring. For example, such sensor embodiments may be incorporated into a flexible cardiovascular monitor that may be placed against the skin to monitor characteristics of the cardiovascular system and communicate such information to another device and/or a caregiver. For example, such a device may monitor pulse rate, oxygenation of the blood, and/or electrical activity of the heart. Similarly, the sensor embodiments disclosed herein may be utilized for neurophysiological applications, such as monitoring electrical activity of neurons.

The sensor embodiments disclosed herein may be incorporated into implantable devices, such as implantable orthopedic implants, including flexible implants. Such sensor embodiments may be configured to collect information regarding the implant site and transmit this information to an external source. In some cases, an internal source may also provide power for such an implant.

The sensor embodiments disclosed herein may also be utilized for monitoring biochemical activity on the surface of the skin or below the surface of the skin, such as lactose buildup in muscle or sweat production on the surface of the skin. In some cases, other characteristics may be monitored, such as glucose concentration, urine concentration, tissue pressure, skin temperature, skin surface conductivity, skin surface resistivity, skin hydration, skin maceration, and/or skin ripping.

Sensor embodiments as disclosed herein may be incorporated into Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) applications. For example, such sensor embodiments may be utilized to monitor recovery from ENT-related surgery, such as wound monitoring within the sinus passage.

Sensor embodiments disclosed herein may encompass sensor printing technology with encapsulation, such as encapsulation with a polymer film. Such a film may be constructed using any polymer described herein, such as polyurethane. Encapsulation of the sensor embodiments may provide waterproofing of the electronics and protection from local tissue, local fluids, and other sources of potential damage.

In certain embodiments, the sensors disclosed herein may be incorporated into an organ protection layer. Such a sensor-embedded organ protection layer may both protect the organ of interest and confirm that the organ protection layer is in position and providing protection. Further, a sensor-embedded organ protection layer may be utilized to monitor the underlying organ, such as by monitoring blood flow, oxygenation, and other suitable markers of organ health. In some cases, a sensor-enabled organ protection layer may be used to monitor a transplanted organ, such as by monitoring the fat and muscle content of the organ. Further, sensor-enabled organ protection layers may be used to monitor an organ during and after transplant, such as during rehabilitation of the organ.

The sensor embodiments disclosed herein may be incorporated into treatments for wounds (disclosed in greater detail below) or in a variety of other applications. Non-limiting examples of additional applications for the sensor embodiments disclosed herein include: monitoring and treatment of intact skin, cardiovascular applications such as monitoring blood flow, orthopedic applications such as monitoring limb movement and bone repair, neurophysiological applications such as monitoring electrical impulses, and any other tissue, organ, system, or condition that may benefit from improved sensor-enabled monitoring.

Wound Therapy

Some systems and methods disclosed herein relate to wound therapy for a human or animal body. Therefore, any reference to a wound herein can refer to a wound on a human or animal body, and any reference to a body herein can refer to a human or animal body. The disclosed technology embodiments may relate to preventing or minimizing damage to physiological tissue or living tissue, or to the treatment of damaged tissue (for example, a wound as described herein) wound with or without reduced pressure, including for example a source of negative pressure and wound dressing components and apparatuses. The apparatuses and components comprising the wound overlay and packing materials or internal layers, if any, are sometimes collectively referred to herein as dressings. In some cases, the wound dressing can be provided to be utilized without reduced pressure.

As used herein the expression “wound” may include an injury to living tissue may be caused by a cut, blow, or other impact, typically one in which the skin is cut or broken. A wound may be a chronic or acute injury. Acute wounds occur as a result of surgery or trauma. They move through the stages of healing within a predicted timeframe. Chronic wounds typically begin as acute wounds. The acute wound can become a chronic wound when it does not follow the healing stages resulting in a lengthened recovery. It is believed that the transition from acute to chronic wound can be due to a patient being immuno-compromised.

Chronic wounds may include for example: venous ulcers (such as those that occur in the legs), which account for the majority of chronic wounds and mostly affect the elderly, diabetic ulcers (for example, foot or ankle ulcers), peripheral arterial disease, pressure ulcers, pressure injury, or epidermolysis bullosa (EB).

Examples of other wounds include, but are not limited to, abdominal wounds or other large or incisional wounds, either as a result of surgery, trauma, sterniotomies, fasciotomies, or other conditions, dehisced wounds, acute wounds, chronic wounds, subacute and dehisced wounds, traumatic wounds, flaps and skin grafts, lacerations, abrasions, contusions, burns, diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, pressure injury, stoma, surgical wounds, trauma and venous ulcers or the like.

Wounds may also include a deep tissue injury. Deep tissue injury is a term proposed by the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) to describe a unique form of pressure ulcers. These ulcers have been described by clinicians for many years with terms such as purple pressure ulcers, ulcers that are likely to deteriorate and bruises on bony prominences.

Wounds may also include a pressure injury. A pressure injury is localized damage to the skin and/or underlying soft tissue, usually over a bony prominence or related to a medical or other device. The injury can present as intact skin or an open ulcer and may be painful. The injury occurs as a result of intense and/or prolonged pressure or pressure in combination with shear. The tolerance of soft tissue for pressure and shear may also be affected by microclimate, nutrition, perfusion, comorbidities and condition of the soft tissue.

Wound may also include tissue at risk of becoming a wound as discussed herein. For example, tissue at risk may include tissue over a bony protuberance (at risk of deep tissue injury/insult) or pre-surgical tissue (for example, knee tissue) that may has the potential to be cut (for example, for joint replacement/surgical alteration/reconstruction).

Some systems and methods disclosed herein relate to methods of treating a wound with the technology disclosed herein in conjunction with one or more of the following: advanced footwear, turning a patient, offloading (such as, offloading diabetic foot ulcers), treatment of infection, systemix, antimicrobial, antibiotics, surgery, removal of tissue, affecting blood flow, physiotherapy, exercise, bathing, nutrition, hydration, nerve stimulation, ultrasound, electrostimulation, oxygen therapy, microwave therapy, active agents ozone, antibiotics, antimicrobials, or the like.

Alternatively or additionally, a wound may be treated using topical negative pressure (TNP) and/or traditional advanced wound care, which is not aided by the using of applied negative pressure (may also be referred to as non-negative pressure therapy).

Advanced wound care may include use of an absorbent dressing, an occlusive dressing, use of an antimicrobial and/or debriding agents in a wound dressing or adjunct, a pad (for example, a cushioning or compressive therapy, such as stockings or bandages), or the like.

In some cases, a wound dressing comprises one or more absorbent layer(s). The absorbent layer may be a foam or a superabsorbent.

In some cases, the disclosed technology may be used in conjunction with a non-negative pressure dressing. A non-negative pressure wound dressing suitable for providing protection at a wound site may comprise an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate and an obscuring element for at least partially obscuring a view of wound exudate absorbed by the absorbent layer in use. The obscuring element may be partially translucent. The obscuring element may be a masking layer.

In some cases, the non-negative pressure wound dressing as disclosed herein comprises the wound contact layer and the absorbent layer overlies the wound contact layer. The wound contact layer can carry an adhesive portion for forming a substantially fluid tight seal over the wound.

In some cases, the wound dressing as disclosed herein further comprises layer of a superabsorbent fiber, or a viscose fiber or a polyester fiber.

In some cases, the wound dressing as disclosed herein further comprises a backing layer. The backing layer may be a transparent or opaque film. Typically the backing layer comprises a polyurethane film (typically a transparent polyurethane film).

In some cases, the foam may be an open cell foam, or closed cell foam, typically an open cell foam. The foam can be hydrophilic.

The wound dressing may comprise a transmission layer and the layer can be foam. The transmission layer may be a polyurethane foam laminated to a polyurethane film.

The non-negative pressure wound dressing may be a compression bandage. Compression bandages are known for use in the treatment of oedema and other venous and lymphatic disorders, e.g., of the lower limbs. The compression bandage in some cases may comprise a bandage system comprising an inner skin facing layer and an elastic outer layer, the inner layer comprising a first ply of foam and a second ply of an absorbent nonwoven web, the inner layer and outer layer being sufficiently elongated so as to be capable of being wound about a patient's limb.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

In some cases, treatment of wounds can be performed using negative pressure wound therapy. It will be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure are generally applicable to use in TNP systems. Briefly, negative pressure wound therapy assists in the closure and healing of many forms of “hard to heal” wounds by reducing tissue oedema; encouraging blood flow and granular tissue formation; removing excess exudate and may reduce bacterial load (and thus infection risk). In addition, the therapy allows for less disturbance of a wound leading to more rapid healing. TNP therapy systems may also assist on the healing of surgically closed wounds by removing fluid and by helping to stabilize the tissue in the apposed position of closure. A further beneficial use of TNP therapy can be found in grafts and flaps where removal of excess fluid is important and close proximity of the graft to tissue is required in order to ensure tissue viability.

Negative pressure therapy can be used for the treatment of open or chronic wounds that are too large to spontaneously close or otherwise fail to heal by means of applying negative pressure to the site of the wound. Topical negative pressure (TNP) therapy or negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) involves placing a cover that is impermeable or semi-permeable to fluids over the wound, using various means to seal the cover to the tissue of the patient surrounding the wound, and connecting a source of negative pressure (such as a vacuum pump) to the cover in a manner so that negative pressure is created and maintained under the cover. In some cases, the source of negative pressure can be supported by a wound dressing positioned in and/or over the wound. It is believed that such negative pressures promote wound healing by facilitating the formation of granulation tissue at the wound site and assisting the body's normal inflammatory process while simultaneously removing excess fluid, which may contain adverse cytokines or bacteria.

Some of the dressings used in NPWT can include many different types of materials and layers, for example, gauze, pads, foam pads or multi-layer wound dressings. One example of a multi-layer wound dressing is the PICO dressing, available from Smith & Nephew, includes a wound contact layer and a superabsorbent layer beneath a backing layer to provide a canister-less system for treating a wound with NPWT. The wound dressing may be sealed to a suction port providing connection to a length of tubing, which may be used to pump fluid out of the dressing or to transmit negative pressure from a pump to the wound dressing. Additionally, RENASYS-F, RENASYS-G, RENASYS-AB, and RENASYS-F/AB, available from Smith & Nephew, are additional examples of NPWT wound dressings and systems. Another example of a multi-layer wound dressing is the ALLEVYN Life dressing, available from Smith & Nephew, which includes a moist wound environment dressing that is used to treat the wound without the use of negative pressure.

As is used herein, reduced or negative pressure levels, such as −X mmHg, represent pressure levels relative to normal ambient atmospheric pressure, which can correspond to 760 mmHg (or 1 atm, 29.93 inHg, 101.325 kPa, 14.696 psi, etc.). Accordingly, a negative pressure value of −X mmHg reflects absolute pressure that is X mmHg below 760 mmHg or, in other words, an absolute pressure of (760−X) mmHg. In addition, negative pressure that is “less” or “smaller” than X mmHg corresponds to pressure that is closer to atmospheric pressure (such as, −40 mmHg is less than −60 mmHg). Negative pressure that is “more” or “greater” than −X mmHg corresponds to pressure that is further from atmospheric pressure (such as, −80 mmHg is more than −60 mmHg). In some cases, local ambient atmospheric pressure is used as a reference point, and such local atmospheric pressure may not necessarily be, for example, 760 mmHg.

In some cases of wound closure devices described herein, increased wound contraction can lead to increased tissue expansion in the surrounding wound tissue. This effect may be increased by varying the force applied to the tissue, for example by varying the negative pressure applied to the wound over time, possibly in conjunction with increased tensile forces applied to the wound via embodiments of the wound closure devices. In some cases, negative pressure may be varied over time for example using a sinusoidal wave, square wave, or in synchronization with one or more physiological indices (such as, heartbeat).

Any of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used in combination with any of the features disclosed in one or more of WO2010/061225, US2016/114074, US2006/0142560, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,703,225, which describe absorbent materials; WO2013/007973, which describes non-negative pressure wound dressings; GB1618298.2 (filed on 28 Oct. 2016), GB1621057.7 (filed on 12 Dec. 2016), and GB1709987.0 (filed on 22 Jun. 2017), which describe multi-layered wound dressings; EP2498829 and EP1718257, which describe wound dressings; WO2006/110527, U.S. Pat. No. 6,759,566, and US2002/0099318, which describe compression bandages; U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,235,955 and 7,753,894, which describe wound closure devices; WO2013/175306, WO2016/174048, US2015/0190286, US2011/0282309, and US2016/0339158, which describe negative pressure wound therapy dressings, wound dressing components, wound treatment apparatuses, and methods. The disclosure of each of these applications is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Substrate Supporting Sensors

A wound dressing that incorporates a number of electronic components, including one or more sensors, can be utilized in order to monitor characteristics of a wound. Collecting and analyzing data from a wound can provide useful insights towards determining whether a wound is on a healing trajectory, selecting proper therapy, determining whether the wound has healed, or the like.

In some implementations, a number of sensor technologies can be used in wound dressings or one or more components forming part of an overall wound dressing apparatus. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, one or more sensors can be incorporated onto or into a substrate (such substrate can be referred to as “sensor integrated substrate”). The substrate illustrated as having a square shape, but it will be appreciated that the substrate may have other shapes such as rectangular, circular, oval, etc. In some cases, a substrate supporting one or more sensors can be provided as an individual material layer that is placed directly or indirectly over or in a wound. The sensor integrated substrate can be part of a larger wound dressing apparatus. In some cases, the sensor integrated substrate is part of a single unit dressing. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor integrated substrate can be placed directly or indirectly over or in the wound and then covered by a secondary wound dressing, which can include one or more of gauze, foam or other wound packing material, a superabsorbent layer, a drape, a fully integrated dressing like the Pico or Allevyn Life dressing manufactured by Smith & Nephew, or the like.

The sensor integrated substrate can be placed in contact with a wound and can allow fluid to pass through the substrate while causing little to no damage to the tissue in the wound. The substrate can be flexible, elastic, extensible, or stretchable or substantially flexible, elastic, extensible, or stretchable in order to conform to or cover the wound. For example, the substrate can be made from a stretchable or substantially stretchable material, such as one or more of polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyimide, polyamide, polyester, polyethelene tetraphthalate (PET), polybutalene tetraphthalate (PBT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyetherimide (PEI), along with various fluropolymers (FEP) and copolymers, or another suitable material.

In some cases, the substrate can include one or more flexible circuit boards, which can be formed of flexible polymers, including polyamide, polyimide (PI), polyester, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyetherimide (PEI), along with various fluropolymers (FEP) and copolymers, or the like. One or more sensors can be incorporated into a two-layer flexible circuit. In some scenarios, the one or more circuit boards can be a multi-layer flexible circuit board.

In some cases, the sensor integrated substrate can incorporate adhesive, such as a wound contact layer as described herein, that adheres to wet or dry tissue. In some cases, one or more sensors, which can be positioned one or more flexible circuits, can be incorporated into any layer of the wound dressing. For example, a wound contact layer can have cutouts or slits that allow for one or more sensors to protrude out of the lower surface of the wound contact layer and contact the wound directly. In some situations, one or more sensors can be incorporated into or encapsulated within other components of a wound dressing, such as an absorbent layer.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a sensor integrated substrate 100A can support a plurality of electronic components and a plurality of electronic connections interconnecting at least some of the components. The electronic components can be one or more of any electronic components described herein, such as a sensor, amplifier, capacitor, resistor, inductor, controller, processor, or the like. The electronic connections can electrically connect one or more of the electronic components. The electronic connections can be can be tracks printed on the substrate, such as using copper, conductive ink (such as silver ink, graphite ink, etc.), or the like. At least some of the electronic connections can be flexible or stretchable or substantially flexible or stretchable.

The plurality of electronic components can include one or more impedance or conductivity sensors 110, which can be arranged in an outer 4×4 grid and an inner 4×4 grid as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C. Sensors 110 are illustrated as pads configured to measure impedance or conductivity of tissue across any pair of the pads. Two (or more) excitation pads 115 can be arranged as illustrated to provide the excitation signal across the pads, which is conducted by the tissue and responsive to which impedance or conductance of the tissue can be measured across the pads 110. Electrical components, such as one or more amplifiers 120, can be used to measure impedance or conductance of the tissue. Impedance or conductance measurements can be used to identify living and dead tissue, monitor progress of healing, or the like. The arrangement of the pads 110 in the inner and outer grids can be used to measure the impedance or conductance of the wound, perimeter of the wound, or tissue or areas surrounding the wound.

The plurality of electronic components can include one or more temperature sensors 130 configured to measure temperature of the wound or surrounding tissue. For example, nine temperature sensors arranged around the perimeter of the substrate 100A. One or more temperature sensors can include one or more thermocouples or thermistors. One or more temperature sensors can be calibrated and the data obtained from the one or more sensors can be processed to provide information about the wound environment. In some cases, an ambient sensor measuring ambient air temperature can also be used to assist in eliminating problems associated with environment temperature shifts.

The plurality of electronic components can include one or more optical sensors 150. One or more optical sensors 150 can be configured to measure wound appearance or image the wound. In some cases, a light source or illumination source that emits light and a light sensor or detector that detects light reflected by the wound are used as one or more optical sensors. The light source can be a light emitting diode (LED), such as one or more of white LED, red, green, blue (RGB) LED, ultraviolet (UV) LED, or the like. The light sensor can be one or more of an RGB sensor configured to detect color, infrared (IR) color sensor, UV sensor, or the like. In some cases, both the light source and detector would be pressed up against the skin, such that light would penetrate into the tissue and take on the spectral features of the tissue itself. In some scenarios, one or more optical sensor can include an imaging device, such as a charge-coupled device (CCD), CMOS image sensor, or the like.

In some cases, ultra bright LEDs, an RGB sensor, and polyester optical filters can be used as components of the one or more optical sensors to measure through tissue color differentiation. For example, because surface color can be measured from reflected light, a color can be measured from light which has passed through the tissue first for a given geometry. This can include color sensing from diffuse scattered light, from an LED in contact with the skin, or the like. In some cases, an LED can be used with a proximal RGB sensor to detect the light which has diffused through the tissue. The optical sensors can image with diffuse internal light or surface reflected light.

One or more of the plurality of electronic components can be controlled by a control module. The control module can receive and process one or more measurements obtained by the one or more sensors. An external control module can be connected to at least some of the plurality of electronic components via a connector 140. In some cases, the connector 140 can be positioned at the end of a conductive track portion as illustrated in FIG. 1B or attached to the conductive track portion at a position away from the end as illustrated in FIG. 1A or 1C (such as, attached to the top of the track portion with glue). The control module can include one or more controllers or microprocessors, memory, or the like. In some cases, one or more controllers can be positioned on the substrate, and the connector 140 is not used. In some cases, data and commands can be communicated wirelessly, such as by a transceiver positioned on the substrate, and the connector 140 is not used.

In some cases, additional or alternative sensors can be positioned on the substrate, such as one or more pH sensors, pressure sensors, perfusion sensors, or the like.

In some cases, a substrate can be perforated as illustrated in FIGS. 1B-1C. A plurality of perforations 160 can be formed in the substrate 100B, allowing fluid to pass through the substrate. It may be advantageous to use a perforated substrate in conjunction with application of negative pressure wound therapy, during which reduced pressure is applied to the wound covered by a dressing and which causes removal of fluid (such as wound exudate) from the wound. Perforations 160 can be formed around a plurality of electronic components and connections as illustrated in FIGS. 1B-1C. Perforations 160 can be formed as slits or holes. In some cases, perforations 160 can be small enough to help prevent tissue ingrowth while allowing fluid to pass through the substrate.

In some cases, any of the wound dressings or wound dressing components described herein can be part of a kit that also includes a negative pressure wound therapy device. One or more components of the kit, such as the sensor integrated substrate, secondary dressing, or the negative pressure wound therapy device can be sterile.

Any of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used with any of the embodiments described in International Patent Publication No. WO2017/195038, titled “SENSOR ENABLED WOUND MONITORING AND THERAPY APPARATUS,” International Patent Publication No. WO2018/189265, titled “COMPONENT STRESS RELIEF FOR SENSOR ENABLED NEGATIVE PRESSURE WOUND THERAPY DRESSINGS,” International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2018/069886, titled “SKEWING PADS FOR IMPEDANCE MEASUREMENT,” and International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2018/075815, titled “SENSOR POSITIONING AND OPTICAL SENSING FOR SENSOR ENABLED WOUND THERAPY DRESSINGS AND SYSTEMS,” each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Encapsulation and Stress Relief

In some cases, while it may be desirable for a substrate to be stretchable or substantially stretchable to better conform to or cover the wound, at least some of the electronic components or connections may not be stretchable or flexible. In such instances, undesirable or excessive localized strain or stress may be exerted on the one or more electronic components, such as on the supporting area or mountings of an electronic component, when the substrate is positioned in or over the wound. For example, such stress can be due to patient movement, changes in the shape or size of the wound (such as, due to its healing), or the like. Such stress may cause movement, dislodgment, or malfunction of the one or more electronic components or connections (for example, creation of an open circuit from a pin or another connector becoming disconnected). Alternatively or additionally, it may be desirable to maintain the position of one or more electronic components, such as one or more sensors, in the same or substantially same location or region with respect to the wound (such as, in contact with the wound) so that measurements collected by the one or more electronic components accurately capture changes over time in the same or substantially same location or region of the wound. While the surface of the stretchable substrate may move when, for example, the patient moves, it may be desirable to maintain same or substantially same locations of one or more electronic components relative to the wound.

To address these problems, in some cases, non-stretchable or substantially non-stretchable coating (such coating can sometimes be referred to as “hard coat”) can be applied to one or more electronic components, one or more electronic connections, or the like. Hard coat can provide one or more of reinforcement or stress relief for one or more electronic components, one or more electronic connections, or the like. Hard coating can be formed from acrylated or modified urethane material. For example, hard coat can be one or more of Dymax 1901-M, Dymax 9001-E, Dymax 20351, Dymax 20558, Henkel Loctite 3211, or another suitable material. Hard coat can have viscosity from about 13,500 cP to 50,000 cP before being cured or from about 3,600 cP to about 6,600 cP before being cured. In some cases, hard coat can have viscosity of no more than about 50,000 cP. Hard coat can have hardness from about D40 to about D65 and/or linear shrinkage of about 1.5-2.5%.

In some cases, another coating (or coatings) can be applied to encapsulate or coat one or more of the substrate or components supported by the substrate, such as the electronic connections or the electronic components. Coating can provide biocompatibility, shield or protect the electronics from coming into contact with fluids, provide padding for the electronic components to increase patient comfort, or the like. As used herein, biocompatible can mean being in compliance with one or more applicable standards, such as ISO 10993 or USP Class VI. Such coating can be sometimes referred to as “conformal coat” or “soft coat.” Soft coat can be stretchable or substantially stretchable. Soft coat can be hydrophobic or substantially hydrophobic.

Soft coat can be formed from one or more suitable polymers, adhesives, such as 1072-M adhesive (for example, Dymax 1072-M), 1165-M adhesive (such as, Dymax 1165-M), parylene (such as, Parylene C), silicones, epoxies, urethanes, acrylated urethanes, acrylated urethane alternatives (such as, Henkel Loctite 3381), or other suitable biocompatible and substantially stretchable materials. Soft coat can be thin coating, for example, from about 80 microns or less up to several millimeters or more. Soft coat can have hardness lower than about A100, A80, A50 or lower. Soft coat can have elongation at break higher than about 100%, 200%, 300% or more. Soft coat can have viscosity of about 8,000-14,500 centipoise (cP). In some cases, coating can have viscosity no less than about 3,000 cP. In some cases, coating can have viscosity less than about 3,000 cP.

Any of the hard or soft coats described herein can be applied by one or more of laminating, adhering, welding (for instance, ultrasonic welding), curing by one or more of light, UV, thermal (such as, heat), or the like. Any of the hard or soft coat described herein can be transparent or substantially transparent to facilitate optical sensing. Any of the coatings described herein can retain bond strength when subjected to sterilization, such as EtO sterilization. Any of the coatings described herein can be modified to fluoresce, such as under UV light.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate cross-sections of wound dressings that include sensor integrated substrates. Dressing 200A shown in FIG. 2A can include a sensor integrated substrate 205 supporting a plurality of electronic components (shown as protruding from the substrate) and a plurality of electronic connections, as described herein. The dressing 200A can include hard coat 214, applied to one or more electronic components or connections. In some cases, hard coat can be applied to areas where electronic components are connected to electronic connections. This can reinforce these connections. In some cases, hard coat can be applied to each of the one or more of the electronic components or connections.

The dressing 200A can include soft coat 216, which can be applied to the entire wound facing side of the substrate. Soft coat 216 can be applied to an entire or substantially entire area of the wound facing side of the substrate to encapsulate the substrate, electronic components, and connections. In some cases, soft coat 216 can be applied to certain regions of the substrate, such as those regions supporting one or more of electronic components or connections.

The dressing 200A can include a wound contact layer 218. The wound contact layer 218 can include adhesive material configured to adhere the substrate to the wound, which can facilitate maintaining contact of one or more sensors with the wound. The wound contact layer 218 can be formed from silicone. The silicone material can be low tac (or tack) silicone. The wound contact layer 218 can include silicone adhesive mounted on a film. In some cases, the wound contact layer 218 can be similar to the material used in Allevyn Life Non-Bordered dressing manufactured by Smith & Nephew.

The wound contact layer 218 can be applied to entire or substantially entire area of the wound facing side of the substrate. In some cases, the wound contact layer 218 can be applied to certain regions of the substrate, such as those regions supporting one or more of electronic components or connections.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, a plurality of perforations 230 can be formed through one or more of the substrate, hard coat, soft coat, and wound contact layer. As described herein, perforations can be made in regions or areas of the substrate that do not support electronic components or connections.

The dressing 200A can include a protective layer 220 applied to the wound contact layer 218. The protective layer 220 can be made of paper, such as laminated paper. The protective layer 220 can protect the wound contact layer 218 prior to use and facilitate easy application for a user. The protective layer 218 can include a plurality (such as two) handles. The handles can be applied in a folded configuration, in which a slit separating the handles is covered by one of handles folded over the slit. In some cases, the protective layer 218 can be similar to the protective layer used in the Allevyn Life Non-Bordered dressing.

As illustrated, a wicking layer 212 can be positioned over an opposite, non-wound facing side of the substrate. The wicking layer 212 can facilitate passage of fluid through the layers below the wicking layer. For example, the wicking layer can transport (or “wick”) fluid away from the lower layers, such as from the substrate, toward one or more upper layers positioned over the wicking layer 212. Such one or more upper layers can include one or more absorbent materials as described herein. In some cases, the wicking layer 212 is formed from foam, such as foam similar to that used in the Allevyn Life Non-Bordered dressing. The wicking layer can be extensible or substantially extensible.

As illustrated in the dressing 200B of FIG. 2B, additional layer of soft coat 210 can be positioned over the non-wound facing side of the substrate between the substrate and the wicking layer 212. For example, soft coat 210 can protect the non-wound facing side of the substrate from fluid if the substrate is formed from material that is not impermeable to fluid. In such case, soft coat 210 can be hydrophobic or substantially hydrophobic. Soft coat 210 can be made of same or different material than soft coat 216-218. Soft coat 210 can be perforated as illustrated and described. In some cases, soft coat can encapsulate the entire substrate, including both the wound facing and non-wound facing sides.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate coated sensor integrated substrates 300. The substrates 300 are illustrated with non-wound facing side 216 up. The substrates 300 can be similar to any of the substrates described herein.

Any of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used with any of the embodiments described in International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2018/069883, titled “BIOCOMPATIBLE ENCAPSULATION AND COMPONENT STRESS RELIEF FOR SENSOR ENABLED NEGATIVE PRESSURE WOUND THERAPY DRESSINGS,” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Wound Monitoring and/or Therapy System

FIG. 4 illustrates wound monitoring and/or therapy system 400. The system can include a sensor integrated substrate (which can be any of the substrates described herein) connected to a control module 24 (sometimes referred to as controller). As is described herein, the sensor integrated substrate can be placed on or in a wound of a patient and can utilize various sensors to collect measurement data from one or more of the wound or areas surrounding the wound, such as the periwound. The controller 24 can receive, store, and process data collected by the sensor integrated substrate. In some cases, the controller 24 can transmit one or more of commands and data to the sensor integrated substrate. The controller 24 can include any one or more of a power source (such as a battery), one or more processors, one or more storage elements, and a communication device. As is illustrated, the controller 24 can include an enclosure (or housing) that protects the electronics of the controller (which can be supported by a substrate 500, as described herein). The enclosure can provide electric isolation for the electronics. The enclosure can be water resistant or waterproof.

Any of the substrates configured to be positioned in the wound disclosed herein can, in addition to or instead of supporting one or more sensors, support at least one transducer configured to provide therapy to the wound. For example, the at least one transducer can be an ultrasound transducer configured to provide vibrational therapy.

Any of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used with any of the embodiments described in International Patent Application Nos. PCT/EP2018/081198, titled “INTEGRATED SENSOR ENABLED WOUND MONITORING AND/OR THERAPY DRESSINGS AND SYSTEMS,” PCT/EP2019/077947, titled “TISSUE TREATMENT DEVICE,” and PCT/EP2019/077990, titled “TISSUE TREATMENT DEVICE,” each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Patient Protection from Unsafe Electric Current

It may be important to protect the patient from any unsafe electric current that may be conducted by or through any of the substrates described herein configured to be positioned in a wound of the patient. There can be several potential causes of such unsafe electric current. For example, a patient may inadvertently contact an external source of high electric potential (such as, mains or wall electricity, high voltage device, or the like). In such case, unless protective measures had been implemented, unsafe current may flow through the patient and discharge into the ground through one or more electrically conductive components (sometimes referred to as electrically conductive parts) of a wound monitoring and/or therapy system. That is, one or more electrically conductive components can provide return path for the current. As another example, leakage current may flow from one or more electrically conductive parts through the patient and discharge into the ground. For instance, the patient may contact electrical ground, such as a faucet or showerhead, which can provide return path for the electric current. In some cases, leakage current can refer to both current flowing from an electrically conductive part toward the patient and current flowing from the patient to an electrically conductive part.

IEC 60601-1 technical standard for the safety of performance of medical electrical equipment provides acceptable values (listed in the below table) of leakage current in cases of normal operation and single fault condition (defined as condition in which single means for reducing a risk is defective or a single abnormal condition is present). For instance, IEC 60601-1 standard provides that for a type BF medical device (that is electrically connected to the patient, but not directly to the heart), the maximum allowable patient leakage current is 500 μA alternating current (AC)/50 μA direct current (DC) during normal operation (NC) and 1000 μA AC/100 μA DC in case of single fault condition (SFC).

Permitting conduction of current that exceeds these acceptable values can harm or even kill the patient. Accordingly, it may be important to incorporate at least a single level or means for patient protection (MOPP) into the wound monitoring and/or therapy system in order to prevent unsafe leakage current from being conducted through the patient in case of a single fault condition.

TABLE 3

* Allowable values of PATIENT LEAKAGE CURRENTS and PATIENT AUXILIARY
CURRENTS under NORMAL CONDITION and SINGLE FAULT CONDITION

Current in μA

	TYPE B	TYPE BF	TYPE CF
	APPLIED	APPLIED	APPLIED
Measuring	PART	PART	PART

Current	Description	Reference	Circuit	NC	SFC	NC	SFC	NC	SFC

PATIENT		8.7.4.6	FIG. 19	d.c.	10	50	10	50	10	50
AUXILIARY				a.c.	100	500	100	500	10	50
CURRENT
PATIENT	From PATIENT	8.7.4.7 a)	FIG. 15	d.c.	10	50	10	50	10	50
LEAKAGE	CONNECTION to			a.c.	100	500	100	500	10	50
CURRENT	earth
	Caused by an	8.7 4.7 c)	FIG. 17	d.c.	10	50	10	50	10	50
	external voltage			a.c.	100	500	100	500	10	50
	on SIP/SOP
Total	With the same	8.7.4.7 a)	FIG. 15	d.c.	50	100	50	100	50	100
PATIENT	types of APPLIED	and	and	a.c.	500	1 000	500	1 000	50	100
LEAKAGE	PART connected	8 7.4.7 b)	FIG. 20
CURRENT *	together
	Caused by an	8.7.4.7 c)	FIG. 17	d.c.	50	100	50	100	50	100
	external voltage	and	and	a.c.	500	1 000	500	1 000	50	100
	on a SIP/SOP	8.7.4.7 b)	FIG. 20

Key
NC = NORMAL CONDITION
SFC = SINGLE FAULT CONDITION
NOTE 1
For EARTH LEAKAGE CURRENT see 8.7.3 d).
NOTE 2
For TOUCH CURRENT see 8.7.3 c)
* Total PATIENT LEAKAGE CURRENT values are only applicable to equipment having multiple APPLIED PARTS. See 8.7.4.7 b). The individual APPLIED PARTS shall comply with the PATIENT LEAKAGE CURRENT values.

FIG. 5 illustrates a substrate 500 supporting electrically conductive components. The substrate 500 can be non-conductive. The illustrated substrate 500 can be part of the circuitry of a controller, such as the controller 24. The substrate 500 can a circuit board, such a printed circuit board. A plurality of electrically conductive components can be positioned on the substrate 500, such as a power source 510. The power source 510 can supply power to the components of the controller 24 and/or the sensor integrated substrate (for example, to one or more sensors or transducers positioned on the sensor integrated substrate). For example, the power source 510 can provide direct electric current. For instance, the power source 510 can include a battery (or a plurality of batteries).

The power source 510 can operate at a different level of electric potential from one or more of the other electrically conducive components. As such, it may be important to design at least a single means of patient protection to reduce the risk of leakage current being conducted through the power source 510 due to the power source being at a different level of electric potential from the remainder of the electric circuitry.

To achieve at least such means of patient protection, the power source can be separated from electrically conductive components as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D. Separation (or spacing) can isolate the power source 510 in order to prevent unsafe leakage current from being conducted through the power source 510. The power source 510 can be separated from one or more of the other electrically conductive parts. For example, the power source 510 can be separated from each electrically conductive part at least by a minimum distance (or distances) as described herein. It may be particularly important to separate the power source 510 from a secondary power source (for example, power converter). In some cases, risk of flow of leakage current between the power source 510 and the secondary power source may be high because of the difference in electric potential.

With reference to FIG. 5 , power converter 520 is shown as being positioned proximal to the power source 510. Power converter 520 can be configured to receive power from the power source 510 can output at a different level. For example, power converter 520 can be a DC to DC converter configured to increase level (such as, voltage) of DC power from the power source 510. Power converter 520 can be configured to covert DC power (such as, direct electric current) from the power source 510 into AC power (such as, alternating electric current). For example, power converter 520 can supply AC power to circuitry configured to measure impedance or conductivity of tissue or to treat the tissue.

With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, electrically non-conductive (or insulating) substrate 600 is illustrated. Electrically conductive parts 610 and 620 being supported by the substrate 600 are illustrated. Substrate 600 can be similar to the substrate 500. Electrically conductive parts 610 and 620 can be similar to electrically conductive parts 510 and 520. For example, electrically conductive part 610 can be a power source and electrically conductive part 620 can be a secondary power source. Electrically conductive part 610 can be separated from one or more of the other electrically conductive parts positioned on the substrate 600 as follows.

FIG. 6A illustrates distance 630 along insulating surface of the substrate 600 between the electrically conductive parts 610 and 620. Distance 630, which may be referred to as creepage distance, can selected to be no less than a first threshold distance needed for providing isolation between the electrically conductive parts 610 and 620 to prevent unsafe leakage current from being conducted in case of a single condition (or multiple fault conditions). For example, the first threshold distance for protection against a single fault condition can be 3 mm or longer, 3.1 mm or shorter or longer, 3.2 mm or shorter or longer, 3.3 mm or shorter or longer, 3.4 mm or shorter or longer, 3.5 mm or shorter or longer, 4 mm or shorter or longer, or the like. The first threshold distance can be increased for protection against multiple fault conditions.

FIG. 6B illustrates distance 640 through air between the electrically conductive parts 610 and 620. Distance 640, which may be referred to as clearance distance, can selected to be no less than a second threshold distance needed for providing isolation between the electrically conductive parts 610 and 620 in order to prevent unsafe leakage current from being conducted in case of a single fault condition (or multiple fault conditions). For example, the second threshold distance for protection against single fault condition can be 3 mm or longer, 3.1 mm or shorter or longer, 3.2 mm or shorter or longer, 3.3 mm or shorter or longer, 3.4 mm or shorter or longer, 3.5 mm or shorter or longer, 4 mm or shorter or longer, or the like. The second threshold distance can be increased for protection against multiple fault conditions. First and second threshold distances can be the same or different.

It may be advantageous to satisfy both creepage and clearance distance requirements in order to prevent leakage current from being conducted along or through the substrate 600 or through air (such as, by arching). Satisfying creepage and clearance distance requirements can facilitate isolation and protect against electrostatic discharge (ESD). In some cases, the separation along the insulating surface can be more important than the separation though air as the likelihood of conducting leakage current along the insulating surface may be greater.

In some cases, necessary clearance distance can only be achieved by proper spacing of electrically conductive parts because clearance distance is measured though air. By contrast, because creepage distance is measured along the surface of insulating material, proper creepage distance can be achieved by forming one or more of grooves, notches, slots, holes, or the like between, for instance, two electrically conductive parts without changing the position of the two electrically conductive parts. This can be advantageous in case of size constraints for the substrate 600 that may prevent repositioning electrically conductive parts. FIG. 6C illustrates a notch 650 formed in the substrate 600 to increase creepage distance between the electrically conductive parts 610 and 620. Distance 630′ in FIG. 6C can be greater than distance 630 illustrated in FIG. 6A. Although one notch 650 is illustrated, multiple notches can be formed in the substrate 600. FIG. 6D illustrates a slot 660 formed in the substrate 600 to increase creepage distance between the electrically conductive parts 610 and 620. Distance 630″ in FIG. 6D can be greater than distance 630 illustrated in FIG. 6A. Although one slot 660 is illustrated, multiple slots can be formed in the substrate 600.

Additionally or alternatively to the separation described herein, galvanic isolation can be utilized. Instead of utilizing a direct conductive path, galvanic isolation can facilitate electrical conductivity between electrically conductive parts via inductive, optical, capacitive, mechanical, or the like energy transfer. Isolation can be facilitated by coupling circuitry that can include one or more of a transformer, opto-isolator, or the like. For example, DC to DC converter utilizing a transformer or optical components can be used. As another example, a opto-isolator (or optocoupler) can be used. The opto-isolator can be a bidirectional opto-isolator configured to facilitate transmission of electrical power. Using the separation and isolation can provide multiple means of patient protection.

The approaches for separation and isolation described herein can be applicable even in cases where the electronic components of the controller 24 are enclosed in the enclosure, as described herein. Even when the enclosure provides electrical isolation for the electronic components, there is a risk that the enclosure may become broken, cracked, or otherwise lose its integrity (for instance, due to application of force, such as from a fall). Such risk can be intensified as a result of the wound monitoring and/or therapy system being worn by the patient in outpatient settings.

Other Variations

In some cases, one or more electronic components can be positioned on the side of a substrate opposite the side that faces the wound. Systems and methods described herein are equally applicable to such wound contact layers. Although certain embodiments described herein relate to wound dressings or negative pressure wound therapy, systems and methods disclosed herein are not limited to wound dressings. Systems and methods disclosed herein are generally applicable to any medical device that is electrically connected to the patient (such as, a negative pressure wound therapy device worn by the patient, a device that applies vibrational therapy, etc.) or any electronic device in general (such as, any electronic device that can be worn by or applied to a user).

Any value of a threshold, limit, duration, etc. provided herein is not intended to be absolute and, thereby, can be approximate. In addition, any threshold, limit, duration, etc. provided herein can be fixed or varied either automatically or by a user. Furthermore, as is used herein relative terminology such as exceeds, greater than, less than, etc. in relation to a reference value is intended to also encompass being equal to the reference value. For example, exceeding a reference value that is positive can encompass being equal to or greater than the reference value. In addition, as is used herein relative terminology such as exceeds, greater than, less than, etc. in relation to a reference value is intended to also encompass an inverse of the disclosed relationship, such as below, less than, greater than, etc. in relations to the reference value. Moreover, although blocks of the various processes may be described in terms of determining whether a value meets or does not meet a particular threshold, the blocks can be similarly understood, for example, in terms of a value (i) being below or above a threshold or (ii) satisfying or not satisfying a threshold.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some cases, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. For example, the actual steps or order of steps taken in the disclosed processes may differ from those shown in the figure. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. For instance, the various components illustrated in the figures may be implemented as software or firmware on a processor, controller, ASIC, FPGA, or dedicated hardware. Hardware components, such as controllers, processors, ASICs, FPGAs, and the like, can include logic circuitry. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Although the present disclosure includes certain embodiments, examples and applications, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof, including embodiments which do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments herein, and may be defined by claims as presented herein or as presented in the future.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Further, the term “each,” as used herein, in addition to having its ordinary meaning, can mean any subset of a set of elements to which the term “each” is applied.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount.

The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A wearable wound monitoring and/or treatment system comprising:

a wound dressing comprising:

a substantially flexible substrate configured to be positioned in a wound of a patient, the substantially flexible substrate supporting at least one of a sensor configured to monitor a physiological parameter of the wound or a transducer configured to treat the wound; and

an absorbent layer configured to retain wound fluid; and

a controller housing separate from and not supported by the wound dressing, the controller housing enclosing a printed circuit board configured to be electrically connected to the substantially flexible substrate via a connector supported by the wound dressing, the printed circuit board supporting a power source and a plurality of electrical components comprising a power converter circuitry positioned closest to the power source than any other electrical component of the plurality of electrical components,

wherein the power converter circuitry is configured to receive a first power signal from the power source, convert the first power signal to a second power signal, and provide the second power signal to the at least one of the sensor or the transducer,

wherein the power source is separated from the power converter circuitry by at least a first distance measured along a surface of the printed circuit board,

wherein the power source is separated from the power converter circuitry by at least a second distance measured through air,

wherein the printed circuit board comprises at least one of a groove, notch, or slot in a region between the power source and the power converter circuitry that increases the separation between the power source and the power converter circuitry measured along the surface of the printed circuit board such that the first distance is longer than the second distance, and

wherein the separation of the power source from the power converter circuitry by the first distance and the second distance protects the patient by preventing flow of electric current through a body of the patient as a result of a leakage current that is conducted along the surface of the printed circuit board or through the air.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the printed circuit board is configured to be electrically connected to the substantially flexible substrate by the connector.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the power converter circuitry is configured to transform direct electric current supplied by the power source as the first power signal into alternating electric current supplied as the second power signal to the at least one of the sensor or the transducer.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller housing provides electrical isolation for the printed circuit board.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the power source comprises a battery.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein:

the power source is configured to provide the first power signal at a first level of electric potential and the power converter circuitry is configured to provide the second power signal at a second level of electric potential, the second level of electric potential being different from the first level of electric potential.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a coupling circuitry electrically connecting the power source to the power converter circuitry, the coupling circuitry configured to provide electrical isolation between the power source and the power converter circuitry.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the coupling circuitry comprises a transformer.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the coupling circuitry comprises an optocoupler.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the wound dressing further comprises a wicking layer configured to transport wound fluid toward the absorbent layer, the absorbent layer being positioned above the substantially flexible substrate relative to the wound of the patient, and the wicking layer being positioned between the absorbent layer and the substantially flexible substrate.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the wound dressing further comprises a wound contact layer configured to contact the wound, the wound contact layer being positioned below the substantially flexible substrate relative to the wound, and the wound contact layer including an adhesive configured to adhere to the wound and to maintain contact of the at least one sensor with the wound.

12. A method of manufacturing a wound monitoring and/or treatment system, the method comprising:

positioning a power source and a plurality of electrical components on a printed circuit board and enclosing the printed circuit board in a controller housing, the controller housing being separate from and not supported by a wound dressing, and the printed circuit board being configured to be electrically connected via a connector supported by the wound dressing to a substantially flexible substrate configured to be positioned in a wound of a patient proximal to the wound dressing,

wherein the plurality of electrical components comprise a power converter circuitry positioned closest to the power source than any other electrical component of the plurality of electrical components, and

wherein the power converter circuitry is configured to receive a first power signal from the power source, convert the first power signal to a second power signal, and provide, and to provide power to at least one of a sensor or transducer positioned on the substantially flexible substrate, the sensor configured to monitor a physiological parameter of the wound, and the transducer configured to treat the wound,

separating the power source from the power converter circuitry at least by a first distance measured along a surface of the printed circuit board; and

separating the power source from the power converter circuitry at least by at least a second distance measured through air,

forming at least one of a groove, notch, or slot in a region of the printed circuit board between the power source and the power converter circuitry to increase the separation between the power source and the power converter circuitry measured along the surface of the printed circuit board such that the first distance is longer than the second distance,

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising electrically connecting the power source to the substantially flexible substrate with the connector.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the power converter circuitry is configured to transform direct electric current supplied by the power source into alternating electric current supplied to at least one of the sensor or the transducer.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the power source comprises a battery.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising positioning a coupling circuitry on the printed circuit board, the coupling circuitry electrically connecting the power source to the power converter circuitry, the coupling circuitry configured to provide electrical isolation between the power source and the power converter circuitry.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the coupling circuitry comprises a transformer.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the coupling circuitry comprises an optocoupler.